Phil Phails

Compassion fatigue, joy as a practice, and the quiet difficulty of staying present in a life that asks a lot of you. In this full episode of Phil Phails, Mary Richardson-Perez returns for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from the early warning signs of empathy fatigue to the yogic concept of the koshas, from the deliberate practice of joy to an honest check-in about what's actually shift...

Most people with ADHD don't just struggle with focus — they struggle with belonging. Phil sits down with licensed counselor and ADHD specialist James Ochoa to unpack a pattern that runs through the lives of millions of neurodivergent people: the cycle of finding a group, pouring into it, and eventually being pushed out — not once, but over and over again. Drawing from Phil's personal exper...

Virtue ethics, moral character, the psychology of good behavior, and the gap between who we think we are and how we actually act — Philip Jones breaks down The Character Gap by Christian B. Miller in this candid solo episode. Grant couldn't make it. Austin froze. Philip recorded anyway. What came out of it is one of the most honest episodes of Phil Phails to date: a solo walk through Part One...

What does it really mean to build your identity around a sport — and what happens when it ends? In this episode of Phil Phails, former professional road cyclist Mark Duroy traces a lifetime on the bike: racing in Belgium at 18, competing alongside Tour de France riders in the Netherlands, walking away with a contract still on the table, and spending years lost without the thing that defined him. I...

How do we navigate a world that tells men to "suck it up" when facing ADHD, Bipolar Type 2, or life-threatening heart surgery? In this deep-dive conversation, Phil sits down with Carr to discuss the reality of neurodivergence, the psychological impact of body dysmorphia, and the profound lessons learned from surviving open heart surgery. We explore the Japanese art of Kintsugi—repairing what is br...

Public speaking is the number one fear — and one of the most powerful skills you'll ever develop for your career, your relationships, and your confidence. In this full episode of Phil Phails, I sit down with Rick Kutcher — public speaking coach, TEDx speaker, and leadership expert based in Austin, TX — for a 2-hour deep dive into everything nobody ever taught us about how to communicate, how t...

The Universe Conspires When You Stop Waiting: The Alchemist Philosophy, personal growth, The Alchemist, attachment theory, and emotional development intersect in this reflective episode of Phil Phails. We explore the journey of discovering your Personal Legend, the power of consistent practice, and how our choices ripple through the lives of others. From Santiago becoming a force of nature to the...

(58) Phil Phails @ Forgiveness with Sheilah MurphyIn this episode of Phil Phails, Phil sits down with Austin-based psychotherapist Sheilah Murphy for a deeply human conversation about forgiveness, rupture and repair, boundaries, inner child work, and belonging. Using real lived experiences—from conflict in men’s groups to moments of loneliness within community—this episode explores what happens wh...

(57) Phil Phails @ Studio Satya with Studio SatyaMary Richardson-Perez, Karlie Lemos, and Hollie MeadorIn this episode of Phil Phails, I sit down with Mary Richardson-Perez, Karlie Lemos, and Hollie Meador—the three co-owners of Studio Satya—for a wide-ranging, honest, and often playful conversation about what it truly means to build and sustain a healing space together. We explore Studio Satya’s...

(56) Phil Phails @ Psychedelics with Samuel JunkExplores curiosity, consciousness, and the wild ride of being human. Samuel Junk — Austin local, radio professional, anthropology grad, improv enthusiast, and psychonaut — sits down with Phil to unpack a life shaped by courage, culture, and curiosity. From growing up in the Dan’s Hamburgers family business to a near-death experience that sparked a gl...

(55) Phil Phails @ philosophy with Grant PottsPhilosophy Book Club series #11: AnniversaryIn this special one-year anniversary edition of Phil Phails @ Philosophy Book Club, Phil reunites with philosopher and educator Grant Potts for one of their richest conversations yet. This episode weaves together humor, vulnerability, critique, and deep thinking. Phil opens with a raw reflection on the childr...

(54) Phil Phails @ Cycling with The Bicycle House CrewIn the first-ever Phil Phails group episode, Phil sits down with the Bicycle House Crew — five cyclists, techs, and friends who live and breathe Austin’s vibrant cycling scene. Featuring James Balentine (owner of Bicycle House), Matt Tynan, Russell Grindstaff, Tom Sullivan, and Trevor Meehan, this roundtable dives deep (and laughs hard) into ev...

(53) Phil Phails @ Funny with Andrew WagnerAndrew Wagner joins Phil Phails for a hilarious and heartfelt deep dive into the Austin comedy scene. From late-night open mics and burnout to finding balance, Andrew shares what it really takes to chase laughter without losing your life in the process. This episode goes beyond punchlines — it’s about purpose, priorities, and rediscovering what’s actually...

In this episode, Phil takes us on a journey through fear, doubt, and transformation using two-way prayer as a central practice. He shares his personal experiences with inner child and shadow work, exploring how connecting with a source—God, spirit, or inner guidance—can help us navigate challenges in life, career, and relationships. Phil reflects on family dynamics, career transitions, monetizing...

(49) Phil Phails @ Gut Health with Ashley EavesFeeling bloated? Tired after meals? Anxious for no reason? You might not need more coffee—you might need a gut check. Literally. In this loaded episode of Phil Phails, functional nutritionist and gut health expert Ashley Eaves, RD, LN walks Phil through the four pillars of gut health awareness:🥦 Top Gut-Friendly Foods you should be eating now🚨 Clear...

(51) Phil Phails @ philosophy with Grant PottsPhilosophy Book Club series #10Book: Philosophy's Big Questions: Comparing Buddhist and Western ApproachesWrap - UpPhil Phails @ Philosophy Book Club | Wrapping Up Big Questions & Choosing Our Next BookIn this episode of Phil Phails @ Philosophy Book Club, we wrap up our exploration of the Big Questions of Philosophy from our previous book and...

This full episode of Phil Phails with guest Hollie Meador weaves together insight, reflection, and storytelling. Join us as we explore Phil’s signature Phive Questions about life cycles, dive into astrology and how it shapes perspective, and hear Hollie’s moving life story of challenges, growth, and self-discovery. A deep, engaging conversation on what it means to live with awareness and resilienc...

In this compelling episode of Phil Phails, comedian Serena Thiel shares her raw, insightful journey through the world of stand-up comedy and creative expression. From the nerve-wracking moment of performing her first minute on the Kill Tony Netflix special, to navigating the realities of being perceived as a DEI hire, Serena opens up about the challenges and surprises of breaking into the comedy s...

What if improving your health didn’t require an overhaul—just a few smart, sustainable shifts? I'm back with fitness coach and endurance expert Ashtyn Johnson to talk about real, practical ways to improve your health and hit your goals—without burning out, overtraining, or lying to yourself about that donut you ate. We break down:✔️ 5 things you can do TODAY to improve your health✔️ The power of c...

(46) Phil Phails @ philosophy with Grant PottsPhilosophy Book Club series #9Book: Philosophy's Big Questions: Comparing Buddhist and Western ApproachesQuestion: WHAT DO WE OWE FUTURE GENERATIONS? Compassion and Future Generations: A Buddhist Contribution to an Ethics of Global InterdependenceIn this thought-provoking episode of Phil Phails @ Philosophy Book Club, Phil and Grant dive deep into...

(45) Phil Phails @ Yoga Philosophy with Karlie LemosIn the second half of the episode, we hear Karlie’s inspiring life story and her deep connection to Studio Satya—a vibrant yoga, meditation, and community space that has become a sanctuary for many. Together, we explore how this studio embodies balance, healing, and transformation, making it a true home for the mind, body, and spirit.#StudioSatya...

(45) Phil Phails @ Yoga Philosophy with Karlie LemosIn the first half of this episode, Phil dives into yoga philosophy with his signature curiosity, asking five thoughtful questions that explore the essence of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and what yoga really means beyond the poses. Alongside this, enjoy some playful improv games that bring lightness and fun to the deep conversation, showing how humor...

Functional Health, ADHD, & Food as Medicine | Phil Phails @ Functional Health with Ashley Eaves, RDCan food change your brain? Can functional medicine help you reclaim your focus, your energy, and your sanity? In this expansive and deeply personal episode of Phil Phails, host Phil dives into the world of functional health with Ashley Eaves, RD, LN—a Registered Dietitian, Functional Nutritionis...

Craig Tennant’s Life Story: Growing Up Fatherless, Angry, and Searching for TruthIn Part 2 of Phil Phails @ Shadow Work, Craig Tennant shares his life story with raw honesty—from being born in Boston to losing his father at a young age and growing up in a household marked by anger and emotional absence. He speaks openly about the impact of being raised without a father figure and how that shaped h...

Phil Phails Phive: 5 Questions on Shadow Work – Failing, Succeeding & Embracing the JourneyIn this first part of the episode, Phil Phails host dives into 5 Questions about the transformative process of shadow work with expert Craig Tennant. They explore how to fail at shadow work (and why it's okay), the key elements that lead to success, and the essential steps of the shadow work process....